AusLeisure

A new on-Country ranger program is to be established by an Aboriginal Community-controlled organisation in south-west Sydney with the support of a grant from Aboriginal Affairs NSW.

The $250,000 Community and Place Grant will support Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council to build economic and employment opportunities for local Aboriginal people, a key aspect of ‘Closing the Gap’.

Melissa Williams, Chief Executive of Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council advised “this project not only aims to protect and restore our natural environment but to empower our community by providing valuable employment and training opportunities.”

The First People’s Ranger Response Team will work to restore and protect over 1,100 hectares of Aboriginal-owned land at Heathcote Ridge near Menai. Cultural burns, pest and weed management, the creation of walking tracks, waste removal and road repairs will be managed by the ranger team.

Williams added “by engaging with our community in these activities, we are fostering a sense of pride and ownership in our cultural heritage and on-Country natural landscapes.

“The ranger team will work closely with Elders on Country, Elders in Residence, the community and stakeholders to ensure that our cultural practices and ecological knowledge are integrated into all aspects of the project.

“By doing so, we are not only preserving our environment but also passing on knowledge to our next generations.”

The grant will support the employment of a team leader and trainee rangers.

The project has been designed to directly address Closing the Gap socio-economic outcomes, with a key focus on providing employment, training and skills development.

“This program is a testament to Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council's commitment to creating a brighter future for our community and members, where cultural pride and environmental stewardship go hand in hand,” continued Williams.

“By achieving these targets, the project will make significant strides in Closing the Gap, ensuring that our people thrive culturally and economically.”

Image. Gandangara rangers in a cave

Related Articles

13th March 2023 - Queensland Government invests in additional 46 Indigenous ranger positions

3rd December 2022 - Great Barrier Reef Female Indigenous Rangers secure prestigious Earthshot Prize

9th August 2022 - Indigenous rangers from Great Barrier Reef undertake scuba diver training

24th September 2021 - Marine conservationists partner with Indigenous Rangers to rescue endangered sawfish

6th February 2021 - Rise in insurance premiums impacts Indigenous rangers’ bushfire prevention work in Western Australia’s Kimberley

13th October 2018 - Indigenous ranger taken in Northern Territory

28th August 2018 - New documentary follows Indigenous Rangers’ journey to Kenya to share knowledge, culture and music with Masai counterparts

30th April 2018 - Federal Government commits $250 million to fund Indigenous rangers program until 2021

5th July 2017 - Parks Victoria acknowledges work of Indigenous ranger during NAIDOC week

2nd April 2017 - Report highlights value of Indigenous Ranger Programs

28th July 2016 - Indigenous rangers lobby for more positions

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.